10. Arthur Miller

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Though Death of a Salesman, possibly Miller's best-known play, premiered in 1949, the culture of the 1950s would revolve around the intrigue and finger-pointing of the Hollywood blacklist, and no play better illustrates that social climate than The Crucible (1952). Miller wrote the play after Elia Kazan testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee, and Miller himself was subpoenaed by HUAC in 1956. At the hearing he refused to name names and was convicted of contempt. The contempt charge probably didn't bother Miller all that much, as he went on to marry Marilyn Monroe eight days later.